If you find certain actions awkward, you can fully customize these in the Settings > Key Bindings Quick Save: Get into the habit of hitting frequently; Night City is unpredictable! Scanning Items: quickly acts as a "ping" to highlight lootable items nearby without staying in full scan mode. If you're having trouble with specific keys not responding, you can find troubleshooting tips on the CD Projekt Red Support Page best keybind optimizations for stealth builds or high-speed combat? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Mastering the keyboard controls in Cyberpunk 2077 is essential for navigating the neon-soaked streets of Night City with style. While the game offers a default layout, many players find that customizing key bindings provides a more fluid experience, especially for combat and exploration. Core Gameplay Controls The standard layout follows a typical FPS setup, but several unique keys handle Night City's more advanced tech. Default Key Movement Move (Forward, Back, Left, Right) W, S, A, D Sprint (Hold / Toggle) L-Shift / R-Shift Crouch (Hold / Toggle) L-Ctrl / C Combat Shoot / Aim Left-Click / Right-Click Quick Attack / Melee Quick Melee (with Gun) Middle Mouse Button Cyberware / Combat Gadget E / Middle Mouse Button Use Consumable (Healing) Tech & UI Scan (Hold) Inventory / Journal / Map Primary Interaction Phone / Call Vehicle Quick Reference for Shortcuts F5 : Quick Save (use this often!). Alt : Open the weapon wheel or cycle weapons. Z : Change driving camera or skip dialogue. Cap Lock : Toggle scanning mode (instead of holding Tab). Pro-Tips for PC Players Driving vs. On-Foot : Many players recommend keeping a controller nearby for driving , as keyboard steering can feel sensitive or "icy". Unbindable Keys : Some keys, like the "F" interact key and arrow keys, are locked by default . To change these, you’ll need to edit the inputUserMappings.xml file in your game directory. Input Issues : If you see controller icons while using a keyboard, try disabling Steam Input in the game properties to force the correct UI. For a visual walkthrough on how to find and adjust these settings in-game, check out this guide: How to Change Controls CyberPunk 2077 Quick Guide PazarGamingGuides YouTube• Jul 5, 2025 xml file, or do you need help optimizing your graphics settings for better performance? Question. cyberpunk, keyboard and mouse or controller? - Facebook
Cyberpunk 2077 keyboard and mouse (KBM) controls are generally excellent for combat but notoriously difficult for driving . The Verdict Precision Combat : KBM is the superior choice for gunplay and hacking. Driving Clunkiness : Turning with keys (A/D) is "all-or-nothing," making vehicle handling feel twitchy compared to a controller's analog stick. Customization : Most keys are rebindable, though some hard-coded UI keys can be frustrating for left-handed players or those using non-standard layouts. Key Control Breakdown Key (Default) Movement W , A , S , D Interact F Phone T Inventory I Journal J Scanner TAB (Hold) Quick Hack Middle Mouse (Targeting) Crouch C or Left Ctrl Dodge Double-tap directional keys (can be toggled in settings) 🕹️ Expert Recommendation Many players adopt a hybrid approach : Use Keyboard/Mouse for exploration and high-intensity gunfights to ensure accuracy. Keep a Controller plugged in to pick up specifically for driving segments to gain better steering and throttle control. If you find the mouse aiming "off," check your Mouse Acceleration and Response Curve settings in the Controls menu to smooth out the movement. If you'd like, I can help you with: Optimal settings to fix driving sensitivity on keyboard A guide for key rebinding if you use an ESDF or AZERTY layout Comparing performance between PC and console versions Question. cyberpunk, keyboard and mouse or controller? - Facebook
Mastering Night City: A Comprehensive Guide to Cyberpunk 2077 Keyboard Controls Cyberpunk 2077 is a game of intricate systems—from hacking enemy neural networks to driving through the winding streets of Watson at breakneck speeds. While the game supports controllers, the Keyboard & Mouse (KBM) setup offers superior precision for aiming and quicker navigation through menus and hacking minigames. Below is a detailed breakdown of the default keyboard controls, categorized by gameplay mechanics, along with tips on how to optimize your setup for the streets.
1. Basic Movement & Navigation These are your bread-and-butter keys for traversing Night City on foot.
Moving Forward: W Moving Backward: S Strafe Left: A Strafe Right: D Sprint: Left Shift (Hold) or Double Tap W (Toggle).
Note: You can change sprint to a single toggle in the settings if holding the key causes finger fatigue.
Jump: Space Crouch: Left Ctrl (Toggle or Hold).
Tip: Crouching is vital for stealth builds. It reduces visibility and dampens footsteps.
Vault / Mantle: Space (When approaching a low wall or ledge). Dodge: Double Tap W , A , S , or D .
Note: This control scheme was controversial at launch. If you find yourself accidentally dodge-rolling while trying to sprint, it is highly recommended to rebind Dodge to a dedicated key (like Alt or Mouse Button 4 ) in the settings.
2. Combat & Weapon Handling Precision is the main advantage of KBM. Headshots are king in Cyberpunk 2077 , and a mouse offers the snap-targeting necessary for high-difficulty playthroughs.